Breed
History and Standard
The
Border Terrier originated
along the border of Scotland
and England; that's how
the Border got its name.
The Border Terrier descended
from a blend of old strains
of a working terrier, closely
related to the Dandie Dinmont,
the Lakeland, and the Bedlington.
The farmers of this region
kept Borders because they
would destroy foxes and
other vermin. The Border
Terrier's combination of
courage and good sense has
always been its asset. Originally
bred to run and work with
Foxhounds, they must energetic
and built for such work.
They combine activity with
gameness.
Border
Terriers are sturdy little
dogs. They are a
"no frills" working
breed. Some people say
they look
like mongrels. Males can
stand 12-15 inches tall
and weigh between 13-18
pounds. Females are 10-14
inches and weigh between
10 - 16 pounds. This
is
the ideal, however, size
and weight may vary and
some may weigh as much
as twenty pounds. Their
heads
are very distinctive,
like that of an otter.
The
ears of a Border Terrier
are small, V-shaped drop
ears. They have a harsh,
wiry outer coat with a
softer undercoat. The
coat can
be 1/2 inch to 2 inches
in length. Border Terriers
may look like a small "Benji" if
coat is has not been groomed.
If dog has been clipped,
coat will tend to be soft
and silky or woolly. Borders
that are more commonly
seen are grizzles. Both
grizzles
and blue and tans vary
in color. Grizzles can
be anything
from light brown, red
brown, dark brown, or
a mixture
of brown and black, gray
and black or gray and
brown hairs. Blue and
tans can
be gray or blue in color
or may appear black and
tan. Some blue and tans
can have red or brown
hairs mixed through their
coats
as well.
The
Border has many looks,
depending upon the length
and condition of the
coat. They look like "ewoks"
when their hair is long
and tussles
about. If you think
you
have a possible Border
Terrier but are not
sure, please
feel free to contact
one of our representatives
and we will identify
the
dog
as a Border Terrier
and assist in its adoption
or take it into our
program.
We have rescue volunteers
around the country ready
to help.
Here
are some different looks
that Border can have:
Below
is a grizzle Border
Terrier as you would likely
see
them at dog shows.
This is
Bella, a grizzle Border
in full coat.
This is
Bella after she has been
completely stripped.
This is
Dexter, a blue and tan in
full coat. He was removed
from a Florida SPCA by some
volunteers.
This is Dexter after he
was stripped.
Some
owners may have opted
to clip their dogs. When
Borders are clipped the
coat loses color and texture.
Here are some examples
of Border Terriers that
have
been clipped:
Notice
the abundance of soft
lighter hair on these
Border Terriers.
We
rescue all sizes and shapes.
The Border Terrier is
a wonderful breed, but
they are not for everyone.
They were originally bred
to hunt fox in England
in the early 1800's. Everything
about the Border has fox
hunting in mind: coloring,
conformation, character
and intelligence.
Because of its hunting traits
we require that all adopters
have a physically visible,
securely fenced yard, except
for those who may live in
an apartment. At any rate,
Border Terriers, especially rescues, should
not be permitted off leash. Borders
have the unique personality
of this feisty little terrier
that is capturing the hearts
of many. Some people
may find that they have
bitten off more than they
could chew.
Border
Terrier Temperament
Border
Terriers are a versatile
and adaptable breed. They
are equally at home living
a working terrier's life
or as a house pet. They
are excellent housedogs
that don't need a lot
of space. They are unobtrusive
and sensible. In general,
they do not crave attention
at all times by constant
nudging their owners,
although
some can be described
as "needy". They are devoted
pals, game for anything,
including ratting, learning
tricks, running agility,
or sitting on the couch.They
are not generally a noisy
breed, but show a zest
for
some activities, like
eating, running out the
door, or
raising havoc when they
spot a squirrel or rabbit
through the window. Most
groups of Borders will
howl or sing several times
a
day. This characteristic
was probably acquired
from many generations
living
in hunting kennels. Border
fanciers describe their
singing as an angel choir.
While
adaptable to a variety
of environments, remember
they are first and foremost
hunting dogs. City or
apartment living can be
quite a chore
to keep them happy.
A confined or sedate lifestyle
does
not meet the needs of
this little terrier. They
require
what seems to be an
extraordinary amount of
human attention,
outdoor activity, exercise,
discipline, as well
as an understanding and
acceptance
of their hunting nature.
Compatability
With Other Pets and
Children
Borders
can be aggressive with
other dogs, if they
are not properly raised
and
socialized. But we have
many that get along
fine with other dogs.
We try
to determine that before
placing any of the rescues
into multiple dogs'
homes. We do not place
a Border
into a home with the
same sex Border, as
many times
their possessive nature
and jealousy can get
the best of them and
fights
may ensue. Borders most
often do not get along
with cats. We do occasionally
get one in that does,
as possibly it was raised
with them from a pup.
It's not a guarantee
though, and we do not
recommend
keeping rescue Borders
with cats. They also
will not tolerate any
small
rodents such as hamsters,
guinea pigs, rabbits,
mice, rats, etc. They
make excellent farm
maintenance dogs as
they will keep
most nuisance animals
away, although that
may include cats!
The
Border can make a terrific
family pet, and
can get along with
children, provided that
the children
are well-behaved.
Unfortunately, because
we have limited
knowledge of their
past history, we do
not place
any rescue terriers
into homes with children
under
the age of 5. They
can be very assertive
and
may not have a lot
of tolerance for a child's
poking and playfulness.
They can strike back
in
warning or just wanting
to be left alone.back
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Is
This Really the Right
Dog for You?
Many people do not research
the breed before buying
a Border and this is the
main reason so many of
them end up in rescue.
A bored Border is a problem
Border. If you are looking
for a non shedding breed,
this is not the breed
for you. If you are looking
for a dog that does not
bark or dig, then this
is also not the breed
for you. If you are looking
for a loyal, loving companion,
who is active and intelligent
and wants to be your best
friend, then this IS the
breed for you. You have
come to the right place!
Because
Borders are very willing
to hunt, they must
not be allowed to run
off leash in unsecured
areas. They are quick
to chase furry animals
and bolt across busy
streets. Additionally,
they are friendly and
likely to wander off
to visit people or other
dogs. Anyone who likes
terriers should enjoy
a Border. They have
pleasant personalities,
are easy to care for,
reasonably obedient,
humorous and entertaining,
and have an irresistible
impish appearance. All
in all, Border Terriers
are splendid companions;
definitely a dog lover's
dog!
Please
understand that many
of the rescue
dogs
have been in shelters,
abandoned, and abused
and will need time
to adjust to their
new home
and new family.
All will benefit from
obedience
and most Borders
LOVE
agility or flyball.
A happy Border is
a dog
with a purpose and
if you give them
one, they
will never let you
down!
We
ask that you do visit
Border
Terrier
Club of
America (BTCA)
Web Site (http://clubs.akc.org/btcoa/research/research.html)
and read everything
about
the Border Terrier
before making
any
decisions to
adopt one.
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